Shake Shack primarily uses refined soybean oil and other seed oils such as canola oil and sunflower oil for cooking—especially for frying their crinkle-cut fries and making sauces like ShackSauce. However, in select New York City locations, they’ve begun testing a healthier and more sustainable alternative: cultured oil made from sugarcane (from Zero Acre Farms). This pilot program aims to replace seed oils in fried items like fries, chicken, and veggie burgers. So, depending on the location, Shake Shack either uses seed oils or cultured sugarcane oil. For most outlets, refined soybean oil remains the standard. If you are avoiding seed oils or looking for healthier options, customization is possible by skipping fried items, sauces, and buns.
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Shake Shack Oil Usage – An Overview
| Location | Primary Cooking Oil Used | Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Most Locations | Refined soybean, canola, sunflower oils | Fries, buns, sauces (e.g., ShackSauce, honey mustard) |
| Pilot NYC Locations | Cultured sugarcane oil (Zero Acre) | Fries, Veggie Shack, chicken, Shack Stack, ‘Shroom Burger |
| Griddle/Flat-top Cooking | No added oil | Burgers, hot dogs, bacon (cooked directly on griddle) |
What Oil Does Shake Shack Use to Fry Their Fries?
Shake Shack’s fries are deep-fried in seed oils, most commonly refined soybean oil. This oil is selected for its high smoke point, neutral flavor, and cost-effectiveness. In the NYC pilot program, Shake Shack began using cultured sugarcane oil for frying fries in 2023.
Seed Oils Commonly Used for Frying at Shake Shack:
- Refined Soybean Oil
- Canola Oil
- Sunflower Oil
These are blended or used individually depending on availability and supply.
NYC Pilot – Cultured Sugarcane Oil:
- Brand: Zero Acre Farms
- Source: Fermented sugarcane
- Benefits:
- Over 90% monounsaturated fats
- No trans fats
- High smoke point
- Minimal environmental footprint
Does Shake Shack Use Seed Oils?
Yes, Shake Shack uses seed oils such as:
- Soybean oil (most common)
- Canola oil
- Sunflower oil
These oils are used across most Shake Shack locations in the U.S. for preparing fries, buns, sauces, and other cooked items.
Is Shake Shack Switching to Healthier Oils?
Shake Shack is currently testing a switch to healthier oils through a pilot partnership with Zero Acre Farms.
Key Features of the Sugarcane-Based Oil:
- 90%+ monounsaturated fat (similar to olive oil)
- Clean, neutral taste
- More sustainable than seed oils
- No chemical solvents used
As of now, this oil is only used in two NYC locations: Hudson Yards and Battery Park City.
Which Shake Shack Items Are Cooked Without Oil?
While fried items like fries and chicken use oil, many items are cooked without added oil, including:
- Beef Burgers – cooked on a griddle without added oil
- Hot Dogs – grilled without added fats
- Applewood-Smoked Bacon – cooked directly on griddle
So, if you are avoiding seed oils, ordering a bun-less burger without sauce or fries can be a good alternative.
Can You Avoid Seed Oils at Shake Shack?
Yes, but it requires customizing your order.
How to Avoid Seed Oils at Shake Shack:
- Skip fries, chicken, and veggie burgers (these are fried)
- Order your burger without ShackSauce or honey mustard
- Request a lettuce wrap instead of a bun (buns may contain oil)
- Avoid shakes and desserts (some may contain processed oils)
- Stick to griddle-cooked proteins like burgers or hot dogs
Nutritional Concerns with Seed Oils
Seed oils like soybean and canola have been linked to concerns over:
- High omega-6 fatty acid levels
- Inflammatory effects in some people
- Highly refined processing methods
Consumers looking for anti-inflammatory or paleo/keto-friendly diets often prefer to avoid these oils.
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Summary: Shake Shack’s Oil Policy at a Glance
| Item | Oil Used | Can You Avoid It? |
|---|---|---|
| Fries | Soybean/canola/sugarcane (location-based) | No (fried item) |
| Burgers | Cooked on griddle, no added oil | Yes |
| Chicken | Fried in seed oil or cultured oil (NYC) | No (unless not fried) |
| ShackSauce | Contains soybean or canola oil | Yes (ask to remove) |
| Buns | Contain seed oils | Yes (ask for lettuce wrap) |
FAQs
Does Shake Shack use vegetable oil?
Yes, Shake Shack uses vegetable oils, mostly refined soybean oil, in most of their fried items and sauces.
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Is Shake Shack using the Zero Acre oil everywhere?
No. It’s currently only in two NYC locations as part of a limited pilot.
Can I get fries without seed oil at Shake Shack?
Not at most locations. Unless the pilot oil is available, fries are fried in seed oil.
Are burgers at Shake Shack cooked in oil?
No. They’re grilled on a flat-top without added oils.
What is Zero Acre oil made from?
It’s a fermented oil made from sugarcane. It’s high in monounsaturated fats and eco-friendly.
Final Thoughts
Shake Shack primarily uses refined soybean oil and other seed-based oils for frying and in sauces. However, the brand is experimenting with more sustainable and health-forward options like sugarcane-based cultured oil. While that test is currently limited to just a couple of locations, it signals Shake Shack’s potential shift away from traditional seed oils. Until then, consumers concerned with oil quality can still enjoy a customized meal by making mindful ordering choices.
